"Mr. Zhao, there is something this student does not understand. I ask for your instruction."
"Mr. Xie, there is something this student does not understand. I ask for your instruction."
He then used this memorial to question the remaining four in turn. All four gave him pointers based on their draft endorsements.
"Experience +1000" "Experience +930" "Experience +960"
Even Cui Zhaoqian gave him pointers, and Su Ziji gained another 1000 experience from him.
"[Way of Governance] Level 12 (1945/12000)"
This had truly been a bountiful harvest. He had leveled up in one stroke, though much of the knowledge still needed sorting out.
"Honored Grand Secretaries, it is getting late. Shall I have lunch brought in?" a junior official waiting on them asked cautiously. Su Ziji rose with a smile. "I will not disturb you gentlemen at your meal. Someone just reported that servants from my residence are waiting outside, saying they have business with me."
"Since that is so, this student will take his leave first. Please enjoy your meal, my lords."
With that, he bade them farewell and left.
Xie Zhi watched Su Ziji lift the curtain and walk out, deep in thought. After a long while, he said, "The Duke of Dai acts with great caution."
Zhao Xulin tossed aside the memorial and shook his head. "Yes. Today, he asked only about a single matter of waterworks. At this rate, I fear it will take a long time to understand how the Grand Secretariat operates."
Acting this way would not draw the Emperor's suspicion, but if he remained so timid and overcautious, when would he ever learn the real skills?
Qian Wei called for the meal, swept his gaze around, and said blandly, "That is none of our concern."
Riding in an ox cart,